For accurate 4 patches without triming
I just finished making 42--16 patches that did not need trimming. I find that the extra time I spend in making sure my cutting and stitching are accurate, saves time in the long run.
1. Starch fabric
2. Press on the length of grain (parallel with the salvage) tip from Ami Sims.
3. Use June Taylor shape cutter to cut strips. This assures accuracy.
4. Cut strips on the length of grain. Decreases distortion. (Marti Michell)
5. Layer two strips right sides together and cut into sq.
6. Pin sqs together. Will save time matching up when you sew.
7. Make sure that two squares stitched and pressed, give you the proper measurement.
8. Chain piece sqs. Finger press do not use iron. saves time less distortion.
9. Nest seams and stitch four patches. No need to pin, (practice will make perfect)
10. Finger press. Open seam and press so you see the little four patch on the back. (Kaye Wood)
11. Press with iron from back and then front.
12. You should have an accurate four patch that does not need to be trimmed.